The Coronation weekend: Is the idea of a life of service outdated in 2023?
The theme of the coronation service is “called to serve” and it shapes the entire coronation weekend with The Big Lunch on Sunday and The Big Help Out, promoting volunteering, on Monday. In our latest Religion Media Centre briefing, the panel discussed whether the word “service” was too antiquated to mean anything in 21st century Britain, and despite appealing to all faith traditions, whether it alienated an increasingly non-religious society. There was a suggestion the King should have framed it as “bringing people together” instead. Faith groups of all kinds have been at the forefront of signing up for The Big Help Out and organiser Zaki Cooper said: “We’re not suddenly going to enter a new glittering age, but the day acts as a springboard and a reminder for people to get involved in volunteering”. Later this morning, read our report on the briefing here and view the discussion on our YouTube channel here
The coronation service: Listen in to our briefing / podcast recording at 1530 today
At 1530 today we are holding an additional briefing going through the coronation service liturgy, commenting on old and new. Guests include Rev Prof Ian Bradley, Canon Prof Alison Milbank and journalist and author Catherine Pepinster. It is designed to accompany her explainer on our website here. to get the link: [email protected]
‘People’s homage’ to the King attracts widespread criticism
The controversial “people’s homage” in the coronation service, when the public swear allegiance to the King, has been defended by Lambeth Palace as “an invitation rather than an expectation or request”. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is taking part in the service, told Sky News it would be a remarkable and lovely moment. The anti monarchy group Republic said the idea was “tone-deaf”. The Sun quotes its own poll saying 53 per cent of the population will not join in and claims there is disquiet in the palace.
King Charles faces indifference from young British Muslims
The director of British Future, Sunder Katwala, says King Charles has a job on his hands to engage with British Muslims. In an article for Hyphen Online, he says that despite his public interest and respect for Islam, the coronation has elicited “a broad feeling of indifference” among young Muslims. The challenge is “how he chooses to introduce himself to a new generation who are less invested in the survival of the monarchy”. Read Sunder Katwala’s article here >>
Is the Stone of Scone a fake?
The writer and researcher Gerry Burke has suggested that the coronation “Stone of Scone” or “Stone of Destiny”, placed under the coronation chair, is a fake. True or not, the Stone of Scone has arrived in Westminster Abbey from Scotland and is in place for the coronation of King Charles at the weekend. In a letter to the Glasgow Herald, he explains the theory that the stone was replaced with a decoy in 1950 and that the real stone is hidden somewhere in Argyll.
Vatican’s secret mission to end the war in Ukraine
Pope Francis has told reporters that the Vatican is engaged in a peace mission to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking on the return flight from his three day trip to Hungary, he said the peace mission is on course but not public yet. He said he had spoken to Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister, and Archbishop Hilarion, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Budapest and Hungary, about the situation in Ukraine. The Pope also revealed that negotiations are underway to repatriate Ukrainian children forcibly removed from their homes to Russia in the war. CNN report here >>
400 missing and 109 dead in Kenyan starvation cult case
Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, the pastor in Kenya accused of persuading his congregation to starve to death so they could meet Jesus, has appeared in court on terrorism charges. A report in The Telegraph says police have discovered 101 bodies in mass graves in a forest near the coastal town of Malindi. The report says a further eight people were found alive but later died, more than half of the bodies found were children “and the interior ministry said over 400 people were still missing”. The pastor appeared with eight other defendants. A televangelist Ezekiel Odero, has been arrested in connection with the case.
Archbishops support CofE safeguarding board chair
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued a statement affirming their confidence in the Acting Chair of the Independent Safeguarding Board, Meg Munn. There had been criticism of her appointment as she is also Independent Chair of the National Safeguarding Panel, which the board oversees, and this was considered a conflict of interest. But the Archbishops say Ms Munn will bring forward options for a fully independent safeguarding board by the autumn, with a permanent independent Chair and additional Board members.
Guardian editor will meet Board of Deputies over antisemitic cartoon
The Jewish Chronicle reports that Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of The Guardian, has written to the former BBC chairman, Richard Sharp, apologising a cartoon about his departure, depicting him with antisemitic tropes. The report says that Ms Viner has also agreed to meet the Board of Deputies. The cartoon was taken down after complaints were received.
